Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy During the Holidays

The holidays can be full of activity, fun, family and friends – great for us humans, but the disruption to routines is sometimes unsettling – and dangerous – for our pets. Keep your holidays happy by taking a few precautions to keep your pets safe and happy during the holidays.

Make sure your pet has a quiet place to relax in during holiday get-togethers, as the noise and activity can be unsettling.

Certain common holiday plants are known to be hazardous for pets, including holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia. Either use artificial versions or keep them safely out of reach of your pet.

Christmas trees pose a variety of hazards for pets. Pine needles can puncture the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed. Oils can irritate the mouth and skin.

Stagnant treestand water can contain a host of chemicals and bacteria.

Speaking of Christmas trees, make sure to keep decorations, lights and tinsel out of Spot or Tabby’s reach. Sparkly decorations and chewy electrical cords can be very appealing – and dangerous!

Make sure your tree is firmly anchored so it won’t tip over on a curious pet.

Holiday candles add a festive glow and fragrance to your home, but never leave them unattended and be careful your pet can’t get at them and possibly tip them over or get burned.

Fatty, sweet, chocolaty holiday snacks and treats can make it hard for humans to stick to a healthy diet, and they can be even worse for your pets! Don’t succumb to the temptation to share treats or leftovers with your pet – instead include them with treats specially created for pets.

Take extra care that pets don’t find cocktails or other alcoholic beverages left over from holiday parties.